During the 1910s, 1940s and 1970s, U.S. agriculture experienced soaring export demand, which boosted farm profits. At the same time, low interest rates quickly translated rising incomes into booming farmland values, especially during the 1910s and 1970s.

Robust export activity, strong bio-fuels demand and low interest rates have spurred another farm income and farmland value boom. Despite the vast similarities to past booms, Henderson notes that farmers today have hesitated to accumulate debt in financing new investments. Will limited farm debt and leverage be enough to keep any correction in agricultural profits from spiraling into a farm bust?

The Main Street Economist article "Is This Farm Boom Different?" explores the foundations of the current and past farm booms and is available here.

"Agriculture's Boom-Bust Cycles: Is This Time Different?" provides a more in-depth examination of agriculture's boom-bust cycles, including a look at the 1940s when export demand was sustained and debt accumulation was limited. It is available in the Economic Review here.